Benjamin Franklin's belief in the importance of self-discipline, hard work, and effort as essential components of personal success and national prosperity was a central theme of is life's work, and his ideas continue on to influence American culture and identity to this day. In this research report, we will examine and explore how Franklin's beliefs have been portrayed in the following sources, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," "Benjamin Franklin and the Birth of America," and "Benjamin Franklin: Inventing America," and how these ideas relate to American culture and identity.
"The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" is a firsthand record of Franklin's life and beliefs. In the book, Franklin writes, "I never was without some religious principles. . . . I never doubted, for instance, the existence of the Deity; that he made the world, and governed it by his Providence; that the most acceptable service of God was the doing good to man; that our souls are immortal; and that all crime will be punished, and virtue rewarded, either here or hereafter"(Franklin 1791). This quote portrays that Franklin's beliefs were prioritized in religion and the idea of doing good deeds to others. This idea is still existing in American culture
…show more content…
Isaacson writes, ''Franklin's ideas about self-improvement and social mobility were central to the American Revolution. His emphasis on hard work and thrift, his faith in the potential of ordinary people, and his belief in the importance of civic virtue helped to shape the American identity" (Isaacson 2003). This quote exemplifies that Franklin's ideas were not only important to his personal success, but also to the success of the nation as a unified color. Today, many Americans still value hard work and thrift, and the idea of civic virtue is still a central part of American